Top O.C. chef revamps Ruby’s Diner menu

April 19, 2011

Updated Aug. 21, 2013 1:17 p.m.

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Irvine-based Ruby's Diner, better known for its burgers and shakes, is growing up. Top local chef, David Slay of Park Ave., helped create upscale foods for the chain's new full-service restaurant and bar in Old Towne Orange. See his new creations in our photo gallery. NANCY LUNA, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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The bar menu features two mini-street taco dishes made with swordfish or carne asada. The paper-thin shell resembles a fried wonton. The swordfish tacos are served with Napa cabbage and Sriracha aioli. The beef tacos are topped with Pepita sauce, chopped onions, cilantro and Cotija cheese. NANCY LUNA, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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The Streamliner (shown) is part of a new line of half-pound gourmet burgers on the bar menu. The burgers are served on a garlic butter grilled artisan onion bun with bibb lettuce and sliced tomatoes. The Streamliner burger is topped with aged white cheddar cheese. The Gorgonzola is served with melted Gorgonzola cheese, peppercorn mushroom sauce, pepper bacon and garlic aioli. The Green Chile burger is served with roasted Pasilla peppers, pepper Jack cheese and pepita dressing . . NANCY LUNA, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Lobster Mac and Cheese is something I expect to see on a steakhouse menu, not Ruby's Diner. But the chain is trying to make its food upscale as it opens new restaurants with full-service bars, like the new diner in Old Towne Orange. This very creamy dish is made with four cheeses and sun-dried tomatoes. Cost: $9 NANCY LUNA, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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The Streamliner bar menu features three sandwiches, including this Shredded Carne Asada sandwich. The sandwich (shown) is stuffed with a juicy layer of shredded beef. A torta-style roll is spread with chipotle mayo and layered with sweet red peppers and pepper jack cheese -- giving it a spicy kick. The other sandwiches: Hand-battered chicken breast on an artisan onion bun and Hand-battered Catch of the Day with remoulade sauce. NANCY LUNA, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Dip trios are common on bar menus so Ruby's Diner added its own appetizer item. The dish is served with toasted housemade bread and contains a scoop of Smoked salmon, hummus and the chain's signature guacamole. Cost: $8 NANCY LUNA, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Most every bar menu contains a quesadilla offering, but I've never seen one quite like this. A whole wheat tortilla is layered with melted brie, thinly sliced green apples and pepper bacon to give diners a sweet, sour and savory quesadilla. NANCY LUNA, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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In January, all Ruby's Diner restaurants began using natural beef for all of the burgers, including the sliders and the new gourmet half-pound burgers. NANCY LUNA, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO BY RUBY'S DINER

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Irvine-based Ruby's Diner will open a new restaurant at the train depot in Old Towne Orange on Tuesday, April 19. Inspired by its historic location, the unique eatery pays tribute to the old railroad days. It will also have a full bar and banquet room. Keep clicking to get a sneak peek of the restaurant. NANCY LUNA, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Want a cocktail with that shake and burger? At this new diner, you'll be able to get all three. The Orange depot Ruby's will sport a full service bar and lounge, selling wines, beers, cocktails and upscale bar food created by Park Ave. Chef David Slay. A sampling of the bar drinks includes: Blue Shelby (rum cocktail); The Loose Caboose (vodka/gin cocktail) and the Streamliner 'Rita (made with silver tequila). Mixed drinks range in price from $9 to $10. Draft and bottled beer: $4 to $6. Lounge food: $5-$9. NANCY LUNA, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Ruby's Diner gutted the old Cask 'N Cleaver to create a retro-style eatery that pays tribute to the historic depot building. The main dining room (shown) uses vintage brown colors, instead of the classic bright red hues found in most Ruby's restaurants. NANCY LUNA, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Inspired by Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, Ruby's Diner CEO Doug Cavanaugh had this art-deco ticket counter created for the front entrance of the Ruby's at the Orange depot. NANCY LUNA, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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A closer look at the two-tone vintage brown and caramel colors found at the Orange depot Ruby's Diner. Period lighting, mosaic tiles and linoleum flooring are used throughout the restored 1938 Mediterranean Revival building. NANCY LUNA, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Ruby's Diner co-founder Doug Cavanaugh named the restaurant chain after his mother. Ruby, who lives in Orange County, showed up at a pre-opening party last week. The Orange restaurant opens at 7 a.m. Tuesday, April 19. Address: 186 N. Atchison St., Orange, CA. NANCY LUNA, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Irvine-based Ruby's Diner, better known for its burgers and shakes, is growing up. Top local chef, David Slay of Park Ave., helped create upscale foods for the chain's new full-service restaurant and bar in Old Towne Orange. See his new creations in our photo gallery.NANCY LUNA, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

As part of a plan to bring a gourmet twist to its 1940s-inspired menu, Ruby's is launching a line of upscale bar and lounge foods at its Old Towne Orange restaurant, which opens Tuesday.

Rest assured the new foods are not the creations of a short-order cook.

Ruby's co-founder Doug Cavanaugh enlisted the help of top local chef David Slay. The chef-owner of the critically acclaimed Park Avenue Restaurant in Stanton worked with Cavanaugh to create the menu for the Streamliner Lounge in Orange.

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